Comments on: It’s Time to Cut Boilerplates from News Releases http://www.davidwmullen.com/2008/09/12/cut-the-boilerplates/ David Mullen on PR, Integrated Communications and Social Media Mon, 06 Jun 2011 03:58:50 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: Mike http://www.davidwmullen.com/2008/09/12/cut-the-boilerplates/#comment-143 Mike Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:15:41 +0000 http://davidmullen.wordpress.com/?p=415#comment-143 David, I agree with your assessment, and in fact have even dropped the boilerplate on a couple of releases. Instead, I included a link to the client's web site. In both cases, I got calls from some of the media asking me the exact information that would be in a plate and that was on the link! So, I decided to include an abbreviated plate along with the link and so far that has seemed to work. David,

I agree with your assessment, and in fact have even dropped the boilerplate on a couple of releases. Instead, I included a link to the client’s web site. In both cases, I got calls from some of the media asking me the exact information that would be in a plate and that was on the link!

So, I decided to include an abbreviated plate along with the link and so far that has seemed to work.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.davidwmullen.com/2008/09/12/cut-the-boilerplates/#comment-142 Anonymous Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:52:36 +0000 http://davidmullen.wordpress.com/?p=415#comment-142 It's important for journalists/reporters/average joe's who view press releases to understand exactly who the issuing company is. Consider the many technical (or poorly written) releases that would be very difficult to understand who's issuing it. Especially with so many subsidiary or multi-level organizations. When in doubt, include it! BUT, it's doesn't need to be 300 words long... It’s important for journalists/reporters/average joe’s who view press releases to understand exactly who the issuing company is. Consider the many technical (or poorly written) releases that would be very difficult to understand who’s issuing it. Especially with so many subsidiary or multi-level organizations. When in doubt, include it! BUT, it’s doesn’t need to be 300 words long…

]]> By: davidmullen http://www.davidwmullen.com/2008/09/12/cut-the-boilerplates/#comment-141 davidmullen Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:16:22 +0000 http://davidmullen.wordpress.com/?p=415#comment-141 llevy - non-profits could be another exception, depending on their web sites or lack thereof, and/or their ability to update their web sites in a timely manner. llevy – non-profits could be another exception, depending on their web sites or lack thereof, and/or their ability to update their web sites in a timely manner.

]]> By: llevy http://www.davidwmullen.com/2008/09/12/cut-the-boilerplates/#comment-140 llevy Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:56:35 +0000 http://davidmullen.wordpress.com/?p=415#comment-140 I think this is an amazing idea - and am planning on joining the revolution. My only thought of where they may serve a purpose it on a non-profit press release. Some non-profits do not have the budget for an easily maneuvered Web site - or sometimes they don't have one at all. Agree/disagree? I think this is an amazing idea – and am planning on joining the revolution.

My only thought of where they may serve a purpose it on a non-profit press release. Some non-profits do not have the budget for an easily maneuvered Web site – or sometimes they don’t have one at all.

Agree/disagree?

]]> By: jaywalk1 http://www.davidwmullen.com/2008/09/12/cut-the-boilerplates/#comment-139 jaywalk1 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:46:30 +0000 http://davidmullen.wordpress.com/?p=415#comment-139 Hi David, Checked out your post and Larkin's as well. I think it depends on the company. If a company is still defining itself, I think the boilerplate is key. You really should do as much as you can to make sure the correct message is out there. Also, I know who would click the link to check out the online newsroom, but I know just as many who would rather have some description right there for them to read. Hi David,

Checked out your post and Larkin’s as well. I think it depends on the company. If a company is still defining itself, I think the boilerplate is key. You really should do as much as you can to make sure the correct message is out there.

Also, I know who would click the link to check out the online newsroom, but I know just as many who would rather have some description right there for them to read.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.davidwmullen.com/2008/09/12/cut-the-boilerplates/#comment-138 Lisa Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:25:01 +0000 http://davidmullen.wordpress.com/?p=415#comment-138 I completely agree David. It's a waste of space & money in many cases. I completely agree David. It’s a waste of space & money in many cases.

]]> By: PRJack http://www.davidwmullen.com/2008/09/12/cut-the-boilerplates/#comment-137 PRJack Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:37:49 +0000 http://davidmullen.wordpress.com/?p=415#comment-137 I agree in general, but still feel like adding a couple of caveats: - not all websites or even online press rooms are actually designed for ease of access to info. Sad but true. - not all wire services charge by the word. In Canada we have a wire dissemination service through Marketwire that has no costs linked to word count if you are sending a release to a targeted list you have built (using their media directory service) for a cost of ... wait for it ... ~$50 (up to ~100 contacts, above that there is a slight charge). And the release will be sent either by email or eFax (depending on the journo's pref). I agree in general, but still feel like adding a couple of caveats:
- not all websites or even online press rooms are actually designed for ease of access to info. Sad but true.
- not all wire services charge by the word. In Canada we have a wire dissemination service through Marketwire that has no costs linked to word count if you are sending a release to a targeted list you have built (using their media directory service) for a cost of … wait for it … ~$50 (up to ~100 contacts, above that there is a slight charge). And the release will be sent either by email or eFax (depending on the journo’s pref).

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